- Published: Monday, March 12, 2018 02:13 PM
CHICAGO – Representatives of Fifth Third Bank addressed concerns from the community today surrounding what some have called onerous security measures at branches in some Chicago neighborhoods.
Senator Jacqueline Collins convened a hearing of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee at the Michael K. Bilandic Building to ask why some Fifth Third Bank branches in predominantly minority communities are equipped with buzz-in doors and metal detectors, citing other parts of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs that have had robberies but do not feature similar security measures.
“In addition to concerns that these inconsistent security practices may send a message of exclusion or prejudice to account-holding customers and members of the community, there have been questions about how difficult this can be for persons with disabilities,” Collins said. “I hope today’s meeting will foster greater understanding between Fifth Third Bank and the community and that it encourages them to adopt a security framework that protects its employees, property and assets while also protecting the dignity of its customers.”
The committee heard testimony from Eric Smith, regional president of Fifth Third Bank and Marsha Lee and Pam Bosley, members of the Auburn-Gresham community, who expressed their concerns about the practices.
The Rev. Michael Pfleger of the faith community of Saint Sabina also spoke to concerns he heard from the community, calling the doors “jail-like” and the security measures discriminatory.
In closing, Collins asked for a summation of the methodology and procedures involved in selecting bank branches for heightened security features. Collins is chairperson of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee.
